Kants Views on Enlightenment Essay -- Philosophy

Kant's Views on Enlightenment The best summary of Kant's view of Enlightenment lies in the first paragraph of his essay "An Answer to the Question: What is Enlightenment?": Sapere Aude. Translated 'dare to know,' the phrase "is the motto of enlightenment." For Kant, enlightenment means rising from the self-imposed stupor which substitutes obedience for reason and which atrophies man's ability to think for himself and develop his natural capacities. Laziness and cowardice prevent man from enlightening himself, an activity which becomes harder over time since man becomes comfortable and content in his stupor. Likening mankind to livestock, Kant cites the army officer, the pastor, and the physician as guardians who paralyze man's freedom by demanding strict obedience and providing ready-made answers. However, Kant stops short of advocating total civil disobedience; the solider must not disobey the orders of his superiors just as the citizen must not refuse to pay his taxes—such actions would catalyze da ngerous unrest. Instead, both parties should be at total liberty to addre... Kant's Views on Enlightenment Essay -- Philosophy Kant's Views on Enlightenment The best summary of Kant's view of Enlightenment lies in the first paragraph of his essay "An Answer to the Question: What is Enlightenment?": Sapere Aude. Translated 'dare to know,' the phrase "is the motto of enlightenment." For Kant, enlightenment means rising from the self-imposed stupor which substitutes obedience for reason and which atrophies man's ability to think for himself and develop his natural capacities. Laziness and cowardice prevent man from enlightening himself, an activity which becomes harder over time since man becomes comfortable and content in his stupor. Likening mankind to livestock, Kant cites the army officer, the pastor, and the physician as guardians who paralyze man's freedom by demanding strict obedience and providing ready-made answers. However, Kant stops short of advocating total civil disobedience; the solider must not disobey the orders of his superiors just as the citizen must not refuse to pay his taxes—such actions would catalyze da ngerous unrest. Instead, both parties should be at total liberty to addre...